BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- The tough economy is forcing many shoppers to look for ways to save on their grocery bill, creating more business for discount grocery stores.

Grocery Outlet on Ming Avenue in the southwest, say business is up from last year.

"They have to have gas, they have to have food. But they have to figure out how they can make this all fit in one little pie called a pay check," said owner Jennifer Bishop. "And they've got to keep their rent and they've got to keep their houses, and so yeah we are seeing a lot more people saying where can I find a bargain."

Shopper Roberta Kennedy said she can't pass by a bargain, especially during these hard economic times.

"At my age I have to get what I can, and this is reasonable. I may not need it now but I may need it during the winter months, so I have it," said Kennedy.

Discount stores sell anything from milk, fruits and vegetables to household items for sometimes half the price of major grocery stores. Most of the products are overstocks, package changes, trial products and products that didn't do well for a company. Even if the item is discount doesn't mean it is damaged or expired.

But if you shop at a discount store, you need to be open to altering your shopping list.

"Outlet stores are not going to be consistent. They're a treasure hunt. You never know what you're going to find. We never know what's coming in. We're just as surprised as the customers as to what's coming in," said Bishop.

ABC 23 wanted to see just how much you can save shopping discount by comparing a spaghetti dinner including wine. Buying the items at a major grocery store came to $34.89, similar items purchased from Grocery Outlet came to $18.14, an almost $17 savings.

Other tips on saving at the grocery store; look through junk mail to cut coupons. There are also several online coupon site like www.mygrocerydeals.com, www.grocerycoupons.com, www.couponmom.com.